ATO M I C S P E C T R O S C O P Y

application note

AUTOMATIC MATRIX MODIFICATION

for improved analytical quality
and sample throughput
THGA GRAPHITE FURNACE AA

The matrix modification technique Matrix modification Perkin-Elmer furnace autosamplers

is a very important feature in the
concept of interference-free trace
metal determinations. Applying this
technique, the chemical forms, and
thereby the physical properties, of
the element under study and/or the
matrix, can be changed by adding a
suitable reagent in excess to the
sample and standard reference
solutions.
n Decreases the volatility of the
analyte element and prevents its
loss during thermal pretreatment.
This also allows application of
higher pretreatment temperatures
for better matrix removal.
n Increases the volatility of matrix
components and promotes their
removal before atomization.
feature automatic matrix modifica-
tion with the ability to apply one or
more matrix modifiers sequentially
or simultaneously.
The following tables provide
detailed information on how to
prepare the most common matrix
modification solutions.

Table 1. THGA Graphite Furnace: Matrix Modifiers for Routine Applications

Modifier Major Absolute Mass Stock Reagents Working Solutions
Application Required Required (for a 5-µL modifier addition)
Preparation Concentration
Pd + Mg(NO3)2 Ag, As, Au, Bi, 5 µg Pd 1% (10 g/L) Pd* Dilute 1 mL of Pd stock 0.1% (1 g/L) Pd
Cd, Cu, Ga, Ge, + + solution and 0.1 mL of +
Hg, In, Mn, Sb, 3 µg Mg(NO3)2 1% (10 g/L) Mg ** Mg stock solution to 10 mL 0.06% (0.6 g/L)
Se, Sn,Te,Tl with 18 MΩ deionized water. Mg(NO3)2
Pd + Mg(NO3)2 P 20 µg Pd 1% (10 g/L) Pd* Dilute 4 mL of Pd stock 0.4% (4 g/L) Pd
+ + solution and 0.17 mL of +
5 µg Mg(NO3)2 1% (10 g/L) Mg ** Mg stock solution to 10 mL 0.1% (1 g/L)
with 18 MΩ deionized water. Mg(NO3)2
Mg(NO3)2 Al, Be, Co, Cr 15 µg Mg(NO3)2 1% (10 g/L) Mg* Dilute 0.5 mL of Mg stock 0.3% (3 g/L)
Fe, Si solution to 10 mL with Mg(NO3)2
18 MΩ deionized water.
Mg(NO3)2 Zn 5 µg Mg(NO3)2 1% (10 g/L) Mg* Dilute 0.17 mL of Mg stock 0.1% (1 g/L)
solution to 10 mL with Mg(NO3)2
18 MΩ deionized water.

(cont’d.)

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Table 1. THGA Graphite Furnace: Matrix Modifiers for Routine Applications (cont’d.)
Modifier Major Absolute Mass Stock Reagents Working Solutions
Application Required Required (for a 5-µL modifier addition)
Preparation Concentration
NH4H2PO4 Cd, Pb 50 µg NH4H2PO4 Use either: A: Dilute 1 mL of 1.0% (10 g/L)
+ + A: 10% (100 g/L) NH4H2PO4 stock solution NH4H2PO4
Mg(NO3)2 3 µg Mg(NO3)2 NH4H2PO4 liquid*** and 0.1 mL of Mg stock +
+ solution to 10 mL with 0.06% (0.6 g/L)
1% (10 g/L) Mg* 18 MΩ deionized water. Mg(NO3)2
or or
B: solid ultrapure B: Dissolve 10 g NH4H2PO4
NH4H2PO4 in 18 MΩ deionized water
+ and make up to 100 mL.
1% (10 g/L) Mg* Dilute 1 mL of this solution
and 0.1 mL of Mg stock
Caution: do not solution to 10 mL with
use (NH4)2HPO4 18 MΩ deionized water.

Table 2. THGA Graphite Furnace: Matrix Modifiers for Special Applications

Modifier Major Absolute Mass Stock Reagents Working Solutions
Application Required Required (for a 5-µL modifier addition)
Preparation Concentration
Use either: Halide Used as an alternate None
A: 95% Ar + 5% H2 matrices internal gas during
(e.g., NaCl) dry and pyrolysis
or steps
B: HNO3 NA Ultrapure conc. To 80 mL 18 MΩ deionized 20% (v/v) HNO3
HNO3 water, add 20 mL conc. HNO3
For a 10-µL modifier addition
CH3OH
HF Boric acid 10 µL CH3OH + CH3OH + 10 mL CH3OH +
HNO3 matrix 0.2 µL conc. HF + conc. HF + 200 µL conc. HF +
0.2 µL conc. HNO3 conc. HNO3 200 µL conc. HNO3 and mix all

* Part No. B019-0635

** Part No. B019-0634
Note: 1% Mg corresponds to 6% Mg(NO3)2 or 10.5% Mg(NO3)2 z 6H2O
1 µg Mg(NO3)2 corresponds to 0.17 µg Mg or 1.75 µg Mg(NO3)2 z 6H2O
*** Part No. N930-3445

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